“There remains interest by a couple of teams and Andrew was hoping to come back to Vancouver,” Alberts’ agent, Kurt Overhardt told the Vancouver Province. “We especially think with the new coaching staff that he would fit in because he’s a big, strong warrior and knows his role.”

Looks like Alberts would be willing to come back to Vancouver, and I'd take him back (depending on what he wants). I'd like a meaner guy back there, but for a 6-7 guy I'd take him. This team lacks what Alberts brings (big body, physical), and he didn't disgust me with his play last season. Give him 1 year @ $1M.

“There remains interest by a couple of teams and Andrew was hoping to come back to Vancouver,” Alberts’ agent, Kurt Overhardt told the Vancouver Province. “We especially think with the new coaching staff that he would fit in because he’s a big, strong warrior and knows his role.”

Looks like Alberts would be willing to come back to Vancouver, and I'd take him back (depending on what he wants). I'd like a meaner guy back there, but for a 6-7 guy I'd take him. This team lacks what Alberts brings (big body, physical), and he didn't disgust me with his play last season. Give him 1 year @ $1M.

Alberts or Fristic? Alberts knows the system and gives his all but is 32 years old, not likely to improve. On the other hand, Fristic is only 27 years old, still has some room to improve...

With only 5 million left in cap space and still needing to get Tanev and Weise under contract I don't think we will see the Canucks add much depth until those two deals are done. With our luck the arbitrator will award Dale 2.5 million and we can't walk away.

No No No i'm not saying he is anywhere near worth that, just with our luck we get a stupid arbitration award.

Hockey Widow wrote:With only 5 million left in cap space and still needing to get Tanev and Weise under contract I don't think we will see the Canucks add much depth until those two deals are done. With our luck the arbitrator will award Dale 2.5 million and we can't walk away.

No No No i'm not saying he is anywhere near worth that, just with our luck we get a stupid arbitration award.

For some strange reasons, Weise reminds me a lot of Oreskovich. Two big guys that can skate and seems to have some skills but can never finish nor win a fight... I would rather trade him for a bag of pucks.

We need somebody to fill that Alberts role. Whether or not it’s Alberts I don’t really care. Alberts was fine in the shortened season, but he has looked exposed at times. At 32 years old, I’m not sure how much room for improvement he has.

Personally, I’d take a shot at Fistric as that bottom pairing 5/6 guy. He has size, a mean streak and dishes out some punishing hits. He’s definitely a “defensive” defenseman and is capable of killing penalties. From some past articles I’ve read, apparently he can play the right side as well, which as we all know has been a weakness these past few years. He’s pretty much an ideal package for a third pairing guy.

Safe to assume filling out the bottom of the defensive depth chart is an August priority. Lots of UFAs still available

Rumsfeld wrote:Fistric is more physical but from what I've seen of him he's also worse at making reads and gap control, two things Alberts has impoved upon in the last couple seasons.

I'd be fine with either.

A back-up goalie is probably necessary as well, Lack is coming off a huge layoff.

I don’t know a whole lot about Fistric other than he is physical. He seems to have had some injuries that last little while as well, while Alberts has been durable.

I’m fine with Alberts, to be honest. It seemed this past year when he got into the lineup with more consistency that his play improved. Maybe it was confidence. He is huge, physical and sound defensively.

Is Joe Cannata finished at University? I could be wrong, but I thought he was listed as a senior last year. If so, that means we already have four pro goalies which would mean one of Lack or Eriksson will be Luongo’s backup.

Also, with the Canucks looking to add a bottom pairing guy plus the aquisition of Weber, I think it's safe to say the Canucks are looking at Corrado to develop in the AHL this year and come up in case of injuries.... which is IMO an excellent decision. They should put the kid on the Gary Roberts summer meal plan while they're at it.

Edler Garrison Bieksa HamhuisTanev Alberts/Fistric -- Weber Corrado

Cowards die a thousand times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.

Agreed that is the correct decision regarding Corrado. Let him be the #1 in Utica, play loads of time on the PP and PK and he can be the first injury call up. I like what I’ve seen from the kid, but I’d like to see him play a ton.

herb wrote:Is Joe Cannata finished at University? I could be wrong, but I thought he was listed as a senior last year. If so, that means we already have four pro goalies which would mean one of Lack or Eriksson will be Luongo’s backup.

herb wrote:Is Joe Cannata finished at University? I could be wrong, but I thought he was listed as a senior last year. If so, that means we already have four pro goalies which would mean one of Lack or Eriksson will be Luongo’s backup.

Finished in 2012, last year was his first pro season.

Which I infer means the Canucks are not signing another goalie unless one of Cannata, Lack or Eriksson is released or traded.

Considering our situation, I'd say it's an incredibly risky propostion to have a totally inexperienced goaltender playing 20-30 games for your Vancouver Canucks.

That's a lot of points at stake...

Give Lack a few games sure, and let Ericsson try his hand in the AHL, but man that would be pretty stupid to throw one of them in there with zero NHL experience. We've seen Luongo wear down before when he plays too many games.

Cowards die a thousand times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.

Rumsfeld wrote:Also, with the Canucks looking to add a bottom pairing guy plus the aquisition of Weber, I think it's safe to say the Canucks are looking at Corrado to develop in the AHL this year and come up in case of injuries.... which is IMO an excellent decision. They should put the kid on the Gary Roberts summer meal plan while they're at it.

Edler Garrison Bieksa HamhuisTanev Alberts/Fistric -- Weber Corrado

Corrado played very well up here last season. I'd say give him at least 20 games at some point to get some more experience. He's young, but his games last season impressed a lot, and he has earned another serious look. But, I wouldn't want to rely on him for our #6. I am a fan of not bringing guys up too fast, and burning them out.